Skies above the Great War, developed and published by Puntigames, is an ambitious attempt to blend two distinct styles of gameplay—strategic command and hands-on aerial combat—into a single cohesive experience set during World War I. Rather than choosing between being a flight simulator or a management-focused strategy game, it tries to be both at once, allowing players to shift seamlessly between overseeing large-scale operations and personally piloting aircraft in the heat of battle. This hybrid identity is what makes the game stand out, even if it also introduces challenges in execution.
At the core of the experience is its flexible gameplay structure. Players can operate at a high level, managing squadrons, assigning missions, and coordinating air operations across a dynamic front line. At any moment, however, they can dive directly into the cockpit of a plane and participate in the very missions they’ve orchestrated. This constant interplay between macro-level decision-making and micro-level action creates a strong sense of involvement, as the consequences of strategic choices are felt immediately in real-time engagements. It’s a design that offers a rare sense of scale, where the war feels active and continuous rather than divided into isolated missions.
The flight mechanics themselves strike a balance between accessibility and realism. Aircraft feel appropriately fragile and somewhat unwieldy, reflecting the limitations of early aviation without overwhelming the player with overly complex controls. Dogfights rely heavily on positioning, timing, and situational awareness rather than raw speed or reflexes alone. While the mechanics may not satisfy players looking for a fully detailed simulation, they provide enough depth to make each encounter engaging. The tension of aerial combat is enhanced by damage systems that can quickly turn the tide, reinforcing the vulnerability of both the player and their opponents.
On the strategic side, the game offers a surprising amount of depth for an indie project. Managing airfields, maintaining aircraft, assigning pilots, and planning missions all contribute to a broader war effort that evolves over time. The system allows for varying levels of involvement, letting players automate certain aspects if they prefer to focus on flying or, conversely, step back from direct control to concentrate on strategy. This adaptability is one of the game’s strongest features, as it accommodates different playstyles without forcing a rigid approach.
However, the ambition of Skies above the Great War also reveals its limitations. The interface can feel clunky and difficult to navigate, particularly when dealing with the more complex management systems. New players may find the learning curve steep, not necessarily because of the mechanics themselves, but due to how they are presented. Technical issues, including occasional bugs and performance inconsistencies, can also disrupt the experience, reminding players of the game’s relatively small-scale development.
Visually, the game prioritizes functionality over spectacle. Aircraft models and environments are serviceable, effectively conveying the setting without offering much in the way of visual polish. Despite this, the sense of scale—seeing multiple engagements unfold across a living battlefield—helps create immersion in a way that compensates for the modest graphical presentation. The audio design supports this atmosphere, with engine sounds and combat effects adding weight to the action, even if they don’t stand out as particularly memorable.
What ultimately defines Skies above the Great War is its originality. Few games attempt to merge real-time strategy and flight combat so directly, especially within the context of World War I. It may not fully master either genre on its own, but the combination results in an experience that feels fresh and experimental. For players willing to engage with both sides of its design, it offers a unique perspective on aerial warfare that is rarely explored in games.
In the end, Skies above the Great War is a project driven by clear ambition and a desire to do something different. Its rough edges are evident, but so is its potential. For those interested in a hybrid experience that combines strategic thinking with hands-on action, it provides a rewarding, if occasionally uneven, journey through the skies of one of history’s most transformative conflicts.
Rating: 7/10
